TAPE Denies Knowing About Alleged Estafa Case from GMA Network

Things just got a bit messy between GMA Network and Television and Production Exponents, Inc. (TAPE), but according to TAPE’s legal team, they haven’t seen any formal complaint yet.

TAPE's lawyer, Atty. Maggie Abraham-Garduque, shared that as far as they know, no estafa case has officially been filed with the Quezon City prosecutor’s office. Despite reports surfacing online, she said TAPE was just as surprised as anyone. In fact, one of the people mentioned in the alleged complaint even went to the city prosecutor's office personally to double-check, only to find that no such case had been lodged.

"They were caught off guard by the reports," the lawyer said, adding that TAPE hasn’t received any official documents or notices. She also made it clear that the company is ready to cooperate with legal procedures, once an actual complaint is filed and served properly.

Earlier today, GMA released a statement claiming that TAPE mishandled nearly ₱38 million in ad revenues. The network said this money should’ve been turned over to them based on a 2023 contract, but instead, it was allegedly used to cover TAPE’s own operating costs. GMA is accusing several of TAPE’s top executives of estafa through abuse of confidence.

Among those named in the complaint are some well-known figures: former TAPE president and CEO Romeo Jalosjos, Jr., chairman Romeo Jalosjos, Sr., treasurer Bullet Jalosjos, current CEO Malou Choa-Fagar, ex-SVP for Finance Michaela Magtoto, and finance consultant Zenaida Buenavista.

Right now, it’s a waiting game. TAPE says they’ll release an official statement once they receive actual documents related to the case. For now, they're holding the line and waiting for formal communication.